Looking for a GREAT excuse to visit Ashland, Oregon in late September? Boy, do I have just the answer for you! The 4th Annual Siskiyou Challenge, a 6 leg, 47 heart pounding mile relay, with running, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking or paddle boarding, and a FUN RUN, which will take place on Saturday, September 28. This race supports Rogue Valley Farm to School program. Race organizers expect approximately 300 competitors this year. Each of the six legs can be 'customized' to your ability (think: bring the whole family to participate and enjoy the last bits of summer!). If you prefer to participate as a team, you can do so with 2-6 racers. Or, if you prefer to complete all six legs by yourself, you are welcome to participate as a 'solo' athlete. Relay teams may divide up the legs any way they choose (yes! I'll cycle and run, no kayaking skills here!). Note there is no chip timing, no dogs on the course, but strollers are welcome! Three aid stations will be available along the course (at the 31k cycle and mountain bike portion, and the 9k run area), so if you anticipate needing more aid than this, pack your own with you. Included with the registration fee is a raffle ticket for prizes, food from Standing Stone Brewing Company with a beer, Siskiyou Challenge stickers and assorted gifts from event sponsors inside your race packet. Want an event t-shirt to remember the experience? Be sure to purchase one when yousign-up for the race on Active.com. I highly recommend you get to Ashland on Friday to take in the scenery and participate in the pre-race festivities, including a Friday night BBQ with a Boulton & Son, Butcher dinner at Emigrant Lake. Participants and non-participants are welcome, just be sure to make your reservation in advance. You will be treated to housemade sausages, hand chopped burgers, veggie burgers, and salads - and even Sarah Ball's carrot cake for dessert! And the best part? Standing Stone beer! The BBQ will provide glimpse of the kayak course, and allow participants to drop off their kayaks and gear to be ready for race morning! We always appreciate races that allow participants to plan ahead like this!The 6-leg, multi-sport relay will begin on Saturday morning at 7:15 a.m., where you will receive race instructions and important information. The start and finish line are at ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, an awesome place for all members of the family to check-out! If you have friends or family staying at the start/finish line to cheer you in, know that they will be entertained with the FUN RUN event, music, food and beer from Standing Stone Brewing Company, and an event wellness center with massage, acupuncture and physical therapy. You will get to enjoy all of these amenities (except the FUN RUN - unless you are REALLY fast) when you cross the finish line, too!Registration is open - get your spot secured in this amazing race soon!-Jessica, Run Oregon Guest Blogger